IRS warns of 'dirty dozen' tax scams

Taxpayers should be on alert for identity thieves, e-mails falsely claiming to be from the IRS and shady tax preparers this year, the IRS warns.

These are a few of the tax scams that commonly pop up during tax season, as highlighted in the annual "dirty dozen" list the agency released Tuesday.

"Don't let a scam artist steal from you or talk you into doing something you will regret later," said IRS acting commissioner Steven Miller.

Here are 12 schemes to beware of:

1. Identity theft

Identity thieves are increasingly getting hold of taxpayers' names, Social Security numbers, birth dates and other information, then fraudulently claiming tax refunds in their names.

In response, the IRS has been updating its fraud screening systems and penalizing more identity thieves. Last year, the agency stopped $20 billion in fraudulent refunds from being issued -- up from $14 billion in 2011. And earlier this year, it launched a nationwide crackdown that brought enforcement actions against 389 identity theft suspects in 32 states. The IRS has also more than doubled its staff devoted to identity theft cases.

If you get a notice from the agency that more than one return has been filed under your name, it may mean your identity has been compromised. If you suspect that's the case, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. And if you are in fact a victim, expect a longer wait for your refund.

2. Phishing

Have you received an e-mail that appears to be from the IRS? It's probably not. Instead, it could be from a scammer who will try to use any information you reply with to steal your identity and money. The IRS does not use e-mail, texts or social media to contact taxpayers for personal or financial information, so relay any such messages to phishing@irs.gov.

3. Fraudulent tax preparers

When choosing a preparer, make sure he or she has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If a preparer doesn't put this number on your tax return as required, or fails to sign the form, that should raise a red flag. And watch out for preparers who base fees on the size of your refund or promise refunds that sound too good to be true.

The IRS has been cracking down on taxpayers illegally hiding income abroad. Launched in 2009, the agency's voluntary disclosure program has already raked in $5.5 billion in back taxes, interest and penalties from tax cheats for illegally hiding assets in offshore accounts.

If you have a legitimate account abroad, you won't get in trouble if you properly complete the reporting requirements. But by failing to disclose assets held in offshore accounts, you risk huge penalties -- including a fine of $100,000 or 50% of the account balance, whichever amount is greater.

5. Promises of 'free money'

Be skeptical of flyers and advertisements promising you "free money" from the IRS. Scammers have been targeting low-income and elderly people, often through community churches, convincing them to claim credits they aren't entitled to -- and even Social Security rebates that don't exist.

These con artists often charge up-front fees and disappear without a trace before the claims are rejected by the IRS. And along with losing whatever they gave the scammer, victims could also end up owing the IRS a hefty $5,000 penalty for making intentional errors on their return.

Find hidden tax refund money

6. Bogus charities

In the wake of disasters like Superstorm Sandy, scammers come out of the woodwork and solicit donations for bogus charities. Some will even impersonate the IRS and contact disaster victims, claiming to be able to help them file casualty loss claims or obtain refunds. Others will steal victims' identities by asking for Social Security numbers and personal information.

Reporting higher income or expenses so that you qualify for bigger refundable credits may sound tempting, but doing this can get you in big trouble with the IRS. If you get caught, you'll have to return any refund you fraudulently received and pay interest and penalties on any amount owed.

8. Refund claims for secret government accounts

If someone tries to convince you to file a 1099-OID to claim money the federal government is allegedly holding in a secret account for U.S. citizens, don't fall for it. The IRS says this is a common scam -- and not only will you not receive a refund, you could face big fines and even jail time.

9. Frivolous arguments

Claiming that filing a tax return is voluntary, that only gold-based money is taxable, or that your state isn't part of the United States won't get you out of paying your taxes. These are considered frivolous arguments and will be swiftly rejected.

Taxpayers who fall prey to schemes convincing them to file Form 4852 (a substitute W-2 form) or a corrected Form 1099 in order to falsely reduce their taxable income to zero could face a penalty of $5,000.

11. Disguising corporate ownership

The IRS is on the lookout for firms hiding their true identities by using third parties or forming corporations to make it harder for the IRS to figure out who is the true owner. By creating such entities, some businesses underreport income, fail to file tax returns, claim bogus deductions and even launder money.

Schemes recommending that you transfer money into trusts to reduce your income and avoid paying taxes are common, and the IRS has seen a growing number of people improperly stashing money in private annuity and foreign trusts. To avoid getting caught up in an illegal trust arrangement, the IRS recommends consulting with a tax professional.